Deccan Chargers vs Kings XI Punjab – Indian Premier League 5 - Match Preview
The 53rd match of the Indian Premier League 5 pits bottom club Deccan Chargers against mid-table Kings XI http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Punjab-c833, with both sides looking to recover following respective defeats in their previous game. The match will be staged at the Chargers
home, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad, today, May 8, 2012.
Eyeing a simple recovery however, might not be enough for the home side, whose campaign has been a treacherous one. They have largely spent all their time at the foot to the IPL standings this term; owing to their inability to perform has a unit.
Before the commencement of the competition, Chargers had been the unfancied franchise and it is unfortunate to say that they have lived up to their tag. Despite offering plenty of resilience, their opponents somehow have managed to find a weak link in their
armory, which has cost the team dearly.
The team has been involved in last-ball heartbreaks in the early phases, while have struggled to maintain a certain level of consistency – which includes sloppiness in the field, poor catching and some pretty average death bowling.
The scenario was again evident in their last game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where they had amassed a more than challenging total but came unstuck against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Allan-Robert-Border-c43726 de Villiers’ incredible blitz. The South African showed no respite to his fellow countryman,
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409, smashing the bowler for four boundaries in a game changing 18th over.
The defeat has left them with nothing but pride to play for. With 5 matches remaining, the best Chargers could hope for is to avoid becoming the first team to occupy the bottom spot twice in IPL history.
Changes could be expected, following Steyn’s horror outing. Despite being the major force behind Deccan’s bowling lineup, the Proteas pacer could do with a much needed break, making way for fellow compatriot Rusty Theron.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KC-Sangakkara-c1779, the two prominent overseas players, will aim at ending a disappointing
season on a high.
The Kings XI remain pretty much in contention to qualify for the play-offs, despite putting in a mediocre performance against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJ-Hussey-c1380, termed their last outing as the worst of the current year and
the team will be pleased to be playing away from home – a scenario they have enjoyed this season.
The major dilemma for the team will be to open up an overseas slot for original captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SE-Marsh-c2470 and Hussey provide solid batting options, while Azhar Mahmood’s all-round ability has brought
much-needed success.
It then leaves Ryan Harris’ place in jeopardy despite the player picking up 4 wickets in the previous game. His bowling contribution will be seen as important, considering the lack of form currently faced by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/P-Kumar-c2143, who has picked just 3 wickets so
far. A safe option would be to go with the same lineup, allowing Gilchrist some added rest.
However, the Kings XI cannot afford any slip ups, especially against a demoralized Chargers’ side. They will be considered favourites for the tie.
The pitch at http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hyderabad-c792 will be a batting strip, so one expects a high-scoring affair.
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